Background

The Timaru Metro Strategy is a non-statutory document that Environment Canterbury and Timaru District Council develop to provide a clear direction for the future of public transport. The first Timaru Public Passenger Transport Strategy was developed in 2005 following the success of a similar document in Christchurch. It is a joint document adopted by Environment Canterbury and the Timaru District Council in recognition of the role both Councils play in delivering public transport in Timaru – Environment Canterbury plan and fund the bus routes and Timaru District Council provide the supporting infrastructure such as bus stops and shelters.

The first Metro Strategy led to some significant improvements including the introduction of the Metrocard to Timaru in 2007, new low-floor accessible buses on urban routes, and better timetable information at all bus stops. A new strategy was developed in 2009 because the main improvements from the first document had been achieved so an updated was needed with targets for the next ten years.

View the Timaru Metro Strategy (1.3 MB)

Metro Strategy Review Process

The key to the success of previous Metro Strategies in Christchurch and Timaru is that the targets are developed by the community through public suggestions and the work of a Public Transport Advisory Group. This ensures that the direction set through the Metro Strategy aligns with community desires and leads to increased patronage in the future.

The review of the Timaru Metro Strategy began at the start of 2009 with the formation of a new Public Transport Advisory Group. This consisted of around 15 residents who represented the local community including Age Concern, District Health Board, secondary schools, Aoraki Polytechnic, road safety, Councillors, AA, active modes, bus operators and passengers. The role of this group was to lead the review of the Strategy by suggesting ways to engage the community and analysing public feedback to come up with proposed improvements for the new Strategy.

Two rounds of public consultation were carried out in April/May and August/September 2009 to ask the community how they wanted public transport in Timaru to be improved in the future. Two brochures were delivered to all households and publicity and promotions were used to encourage people to have their say. A total of over 500 written responses were received during this process. The Public Transport Advisory Group analysed all of the feedback and turned this into proposed targets which both Councils adopted at the end of 2009.

Implementing the Timaru Metro Strategy

The Timaru Metro Strategy includes actions and timelines identifying when each target should be achieved. Staff from both councils meet regularly to monitor progress towards those targets. One of the key targets is to provide faster, more direct bus services in Timaru and this is currently being investigated by Environment Canterbury through a review of the existing bus services.

If you would like more information about the Timaru Metro Strategy, please contact the Strategy Advisor for Public Transport Len.Fleete@ecan.govt.nz